Where do we go from here? - New times, new rules, new concerns...
Where do we go from here?
Our country (and some places of the world) has been crippled for several months now because of various reasons. There came this virus that grew to a pandemic, that grew to social outrage, that continues to confuse us all it seems. The article posted last month can shed more light on what I mean about that.
Now…we are in the midst of another major challenge with the recent situations in our country that have led to riots, vandalism, destruction, hatred and so on. Many want to blame racism for the recent events. Abuse of the law may be the cause as well. It is not my desire to strike up a debate about who or why is at fault. There are several opinions as to what has happened, and what continues to happen. My prayer is for the world to have a better place to live in with more unity between all mankind. That may never come about, but at least we have to try.
So, what is my point? As a business owner in my “other” work, my heart has become so very heavy to see businesses destroyed that had either little, or maybe no part at all in any of these situations except for the location in which they are situated. People that own businesses oftentimes put very high stakes into them including financial resources and certainly their time. To see it all literally go up in flames is heartbreaking. Anger continues to be stirred when this happens, and likely will cause even more hatred among mankind.
I truly hope that we can see a brighter future. I know one thing, and even though some may say that this cannot be the suggested answer, I know that it is! We know where we go from here!
In John 6, one of the longest chapters in the New Testament, John tallies a few different stories into the context. We have a miraculous feeding explained in full color detail, then we see that turned into an evangelistic effort after the people are confused as to who Jesus really is and what His task is on earth. From there, the Master Teacher begins explaining how the feeding of the physical body can be compared to the spiritual feeding that all need. This was a very hard saying, said some of His disciples. Mainly because they did not understand what Jesus was saying. They seem to have had an idea in which Jesus was saying that they were to become eaters of flesh when Jesus told them that “the bread of God comes down from heaven…(cf v. 33; v. 52). A contention began to rise even more when Jesus says “Whosoever eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood hath eternal life (v. 54 KJV).
When the Jews heard these words, murmurings began and some dissent grew among the disciples. In verse 66, I personally find what I believe is one of the saddest verses in the Bible. “It says, “From that time, many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with Him.” What a said turn of events. After the feeding of the multitudes, the witnessing of great miraculous power, time and time again, when the “going got tough…” those that did not comprehend the words of our Lord perhaps gave up on the bigger picture.
But, the heart of this article remains in the next few verses and gives us a paradigm to dig deeper into. Jesus turned to the 12 Apostles and asked them - “Will you also go away?” (v. 67). Peter’s reply is paramount here. “To whom shall we go, YOU have the words of eternal life!” (emphasis my own). The emphatic reply must have been incredible, and then he continues saying “And we believe and are SURE that Thou art the Son of the living God.”
What a powerful statement in a time in which it may have seemed that everyone had given up. Turmoil was present. Dissent was present. No doubt, people were angry with Jesus because of His words that confused them (I inject that it was their confusion and not what Jesus was saying. They may have had some hardened hearts or some other ideology put into their ears that caused so much confusion).
Now, even though our present day situations are so much different than this context, sometimes, I have to think to myself…where do we go from here? It seems as if society is turning a blind eye to relevant issues, there is lawlessness and no respect for government in some situations (see Romans 13 for our duties to government), and just so much anger amongst the world. I have heard people say that the end is near. Well, it is nearer than it was yesterday, that is for sure, but we also must remember that even Jesus himself said that no man would know that time and hour. Some have “plead” for Jesus’ return. It will happen. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but it will. So, where do we go from here? Let’s take the path that Simon Peter and the Apostles chose - and grab that attitude of “where else can we go?”
We need to be sure we are treating others with kindness, respect, honor, and Christ-like in all things. Revenge is sweet…for a brief moment in time. God says that “Vengeance is mine.” He will repay evil for evil and we are called to repay evil with kindness. I know I need to be more kind in some things, and if you do too, let’s work on this together!
~ Joey
As some areas have begun to start having in-person assemblies recently, our Field Rep team has been working to get around to more congregations. We are so excited about some of the new opportunities that we have in front of us and want to tell you so much more.
If your congregation is back to meeting and would like or allow a visit, we can schedule one in the areas of Texoma (South Oklahoma, Northeast Texas), Central Oklahoma, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, North Florida, North Mississippi and possibly other areas. We would be happy to discuss.
We hope to hear from you soon!
TGOC Field Rep team